iHeart: Play & Listen to Music icon
iHeart: Play & Listen to Music - Comprehensive App Review

by iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.

4.8
IOSMusic
iHeartRadio consolidates live radio, podcasts, and curated music streaming into a unified platform. The app serves listeners seeking diverse audio content with strong sports coverage and local station access across multiple devices including Apple Watch.

Detailed Review

iHeart: Play & Listen to Music represents iHeartMedia's flagship audio platform, positioning itself as a comprehensive solution for live radio enthusiasts, music listeners, and podcast consumers. The app aggregates content from iHeartMedia's extensive broadcast network alongside curated music playlists, creating a hybrid experience that bridges traditional radio with on-demand streaming. With over 4.7 out of 5 stars on iOS, it maintains strong market presence in the competitive audio streaming landscape. The application's core functionality centers on three primary content pillars: live radio streaming from thousands of local AM/FM stations, an extensive podcast library ranked #1 in its category, and algorithm-generated music playlists for various moods and activities. Sports coverage emerges as a standout feature, offering live discussions and dedicated channels for major leagues including NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA through partnerships with ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. The cross-device compatibility extends to Apple Watch, enabling standalone streaming without iPhone dependency. User experience demonstrates generally intuitive navigation with station discovery tools and personalized recommendations. The interface organizes content into clearly labeled sections for radio, podcasts, and music, though some users report technical inconsistencies. Real-world usage patterns show strong adoption during commute times, sports events, and for background listening, with the app serving as both primary entertainment source and companion to other activities. The lyrics display feature, while appreciated, exhibits occasional freezing issues during scrolling according to user reports. User feedback analysis reveals consistently high ratings with specific praise for content variety and nostalgia-driven music collections. Steven’s thought (2025-08-30) noted appreciation for music from their youth while highlighting lyrics display issues. The Saxman55 (2025-09-04) praised the interactive mic feature for sports commentary. However, ozzy122 (2025-09-06) reported persistent account logout problems affecting usability. These technical issues appear as recurring themes amid otherwise positive experiences regarding content depth and accessibility. The application excels in content breadth and live radio integration, particularly for sports enthusiasts and traditional radio listeners transitioning to digital platforms. Limitations include occasional technical reliability concerns regarding account persistence and feature consistency. Ideal use cases involve users seeking free access to local radio stations alongside music streaming, sports fans desiring real-time commentary, and podcast consumers wanting integrated listening experiences without subscription barriers.

Key Features

  • Live radio streaming from thousands of local AM/FM stations provides authentic broadcast experience with regional content availability
  • Sports coverage includes dedicated channels for major leagues with live commentary through ESPN and Fox Sports partnerships
  • Podcast library ranked #1 offers extensive on-demand audio content across numerous genres and topics
  • Curated music playlists generated for moods and activities enable personalized listening without subscription requirements
  • Cross-device synchronization allows seamless transition between iOS devices and Apple Watch for continuous playback
  • Interactive mic feature during sports broadcasts enables user participation and real-time commentary engagement

Why Users Love It

Extensive live radio catalog
Strong sports coverage

Perfect for: Radio traditionalists, sports fans, and podcast listeners seeking free integrated audio

Screenshots

iHeart: Play & Listen to Music screenshot 1iHeart: Play & Listen to Music screenshot 2iHeart: Play & Listen to Music screenshot 3iHeart: Play & Listen to Music screenshot 4iHeart: Play & Listen to Music screenshot 5iHeart: Play & Listen to Music screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track iHeart: Play & Listen to Music's performance in Music over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#30

+6 from last week

Best Rank

#25

All-time high

Average Rank

#32

30-day average

User Reviews

ozzy122
Sep 6, 2025

I really like it because it’s easier to hope on the radio but they need to fix the app for continuing to log me out. As well as not recognizing my account and accepting everything before like it’s a new account. Idk where the problem is but that would be nice if it’s fixed :’) Keeps logging out :/ I really like it because it’s easier to hope on the radio but they need to fix the app for continuing to log me out. As well as not recognizing my account and accepting everything before like it’s a new account. Idk where the problem is but that would be nice if it’s fixed :’)

Lulului88
Aug 23, 2025

Great to stream my favorite radio its so easy and convenient GREAT APP I LOVE Great to stream my favorite radio its so easy and convenient

Cstone3600
Aug 28, 2025

Hello There: so I have always wanted to learn more about southern Gospel music and my favorite genre of Queen of country music legend in the likeness of Dolly Parton and how country music has changed my life. So many updates on the iHeart app and it is easier to find more radio stations that fits iOS, iPadOS and in your own vehicle with CarPlay mode on Bluetooth devices. iHeart preset radio station Hello There: so I have always wanted to learn more about southern Gospel music and my favorite genre of Queen of country music legend in the likeness of Dolly Parton and how country music has changed my life. So many updates on the iHeart app and it is easier to find more radio stations that fits iOS, iPadOS and in your own vehicle with CarPlay mode on Bluetooth devices.

Steven’s thought
Aug 30, 2025

Overall I love iHeart radio I have a lot of the music I grew up listening up to and it brings back great memories. Lately I have noticed that when the lyrics are scrolling it stops moving is there a way to fix that? BEST app for music Overall I love iHeart radio I have a lot of the music I grew up listening up to and it brings back great memories. Lately I have noticed that when the lyrics are scrolling it stops moving is there a way to fix that?

The Saxman55
Sep 4, 2025

Fox Sports on iHeart is a game changer with the mic button so your voice can be heard. Love it Love the Mic Fox Sports on iHeart is a game changer with the mic button so your voice can be heard. Love it

App Details

Developer

iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.

Platform

ios

Rating

4.8

Last Updated

10/7/2025